One-pot synthesis of superhydrophobic photothermal materials with self-healing for efficient ice removal

Abstract

Solar energy-facilitated materials are promising to solve energy loss problems for anti-icing/deicing applications by conversion clean solar energy to thermal energy. However, the photothermal conversion performance seriously affect by dirt and liquid contaminants. Moreover, melted ice may wet photothermal materials and freeze again. Herein, durable superhydrophobic photothermal coatings were designed by modifying carbon nanotubes with dodecylamine (DDA) and dopamine via Michael addition reaction. Thanks to the photothermal synergistic effect of PDA and CNTs, the surface temperature of obtain coating rapidly rose to 89.8 °C under 1 kW/m2. Besides, hierarchical structure and low surface energy alkyl long chain of the coating provided excellent self-cleaning property (CA = 162.5 ± 0.9°), which can avoid the adhesion of contaminants and extend the freezing time of ice for anti-icing. Furthermore, the ice quickly melted and rolled off immediately after irradiation, which avoids refreezing again. Thus, the prepared coating maintained sustainable photothermal conversion for effective deicing performance. Besides, the prepared coating possessed mechanical durability, excellent corrosion protection and even kept self-cleaning ability at 400 °C. More importantly, the coating shows excellent self-healing property toward both mechanical and chemical damage. The outstanding environmental adaptability can greatly extend its lifespan and meet the long-term service conditions.